MONTPELIER — The Vermont House is expected to give final approval to a bill that would allow Vermont doctors to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients who request it.

The likely final passage of the bill sets up a clash with the state Senate, which passed a different proposal.

The differences are over how involved the state should be in monitoring the dying process.

The House version contains several safeguards, including waiting periods totaling 17 days, the requirement that the patient be deemed mentally competent and make the request three times, once in writing, as well as others.

The Senate version removed civil and criminal liability for health professionals and family members when a terminally ill patient takes a lethal dose of medication.